Chapter 12

This is awkward.

Emma quietly sat on her bed while her roommate played her guitar and her best friend read a book. The tension between them was palpable. Emma wished she could just disappear.

Before, everyone was about to leave campus early but Emma stopped them from leaving. She knew their departure would result in them not getting along.

She wanted to make the most of the time and get them to enjoy each other at least a little bit. For their Youtube project, Emma suggested coming over to June's and Emma's dorm.

So here she is in her small dorm room cramped with six people. Katie was sitting next to her reading her plan list for a YouTube video, along with Rose sitting next to Theodore, each checking their phones.

In the meantime, Alice played a game on her switch on June's bed. The room was filled with silence and an awkward atmosphere. Everyone was lost in their own world, not wanting to interact with each other. Emma sighed and looked around the room, feeling a bit lonely. She wished she could just have a conversation with her new friends.

Suddenly, Katie slammed her lists on the table and put her laptop in. Emma smiled, relieved to see a break in the silence. Katie started talking about her ideas for the project, and soon the others joined in.

"Cough Alright everyone, we have got no time on our hands, so let's just make a plan of action and start working as soon as possible." Katie replied as she opened YouTube. "We're signing up for Youtube and we already have the idea of the channel. What we're missing is creating the content for it. We need to brainstorm video ideas and decide on the type of content we want to make. Then we can start filming and producing the videos."

Katie then gave Emma, Rose, and Alice papers. "I've already outlined some video ideas. Take a look and let me know which ones you like. We can then decide on a plan to film and produce the videos."

"Can I see it?" June asked, peeking into Alice's paper.

Katie smirked and twirled her hair. "You may, I've worked so hard on it," She said proudly. "All my last ideas will hit over a million subscribers. I know because I've done the research and I'm confident it will be a success."

"Climb the tallest tower in your town?" June stared blankly as she scanned the list.

Katie's smirk widened. "Exactly," she said. "It's a great way to get attention and visibility. I'm sure it'll be a hit."

"Eat the most expensive dish on the menu in the town?" Emma said, reading her list.

"Swim with sharks?" Rose asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's too extreme!" Theodore said, scanning the list. "Roseanna cannot be admitted to such a dangerous activity," he added. "I am advising Roseanna to avoid 2, 14, 16, 21, and 22. Those are too risky."

"Theodore, I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to do all those things but...I could try." Rose said softly.

"Don't speak such nonsense, Roseanna," Theodore said, and took her hand in his. "Do you think your father would allow you to do such a thing?"

Emma sighed. "Katie, why did you search for something so difficult for us?"

Katie replied, "Uh, to get more views? If we can't do it, no one will watch our video."

"But Katie, I don't think I am capable of doing any of these things," said Emma, pointing at her list.

Katie sighed. "Let's just figure out a way to make it happen. We can do it!" She said with determination.

The room fell silent. Emma didn't know how to replicate Katie's enthusiasm. She wanted to reject her extreme idea, but Katie said she worked hard to make her list and carry it out. Emma sighed, considering the pros and cons.

She glanced at Katie and smiled. "Okay, let's do it," she said.

"No, don't do it."

Everyone in the room turned to June with a blank face. "Emma, why would you agree to something like that? It's just not a good idea," June concluded.

June picked up a list, Katie wrote. "These lists of all kinds of activities are too much for us to handle. Some of you might get hurt or get police involved."

She paused and looked around the group. "We need to be smarter about what we choose to do. We must think about the consequences before we decide to do something."

Everyone looked at each other while Katie felt her cheeks red. After a few moments of silence, she said, "You're right, June. We should take the easy route."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Katie felt relieved that they had listened to her.

"That's a pleasure to hear. By the way, what kind of channel are you planning to use?" June asked.

"The Bucket List Channel", Katie replied.

"The Bucket List Channel? What's that?" "It's a channel that shows videos of people doing crazy things - like skydiving, bungee jumping, mountain climbing - as part of a bucket list," Katie explained.

"But you're not old enough to do all those things, and I'm sure your team has their OWN bucket list." June turned to Emma. "Emma, is there anything you always wanted to do but couldn't?"

Emma nodded eagerly. "I always wanted to experience camping and explore a cave. I've seen photos of them and they look so amazing!"
June smiled and turned to Alice. "Alice, what have you always wanted to do?"

Alice thought for a moment. "Well, I've already accomplished my dream of learning a foreign language and that was Spanish, so if I have another dream it will be...to take part in an escape room!"

June nodded and turned to Rose. "Roseanna, what do you want to do?"

Rose looked at her, then at her feet, holding her tongue.

"I doubt she can do anything she wanted and wanted to get. She's a little miss rich girl after all," Katie said.

"She's right, Rose's loaded, she's capable of doing anything she wants" Alice agreed.

"No, she can't," Theodore said firmly. "Roseanna has a strict schedule she must follow."

Remembering Rose was forcefully grabbed by her butler, Emma asked, "But, can she be a member of the group? Where we can do what we want?"

"Of course, she can as long as it's safe for her." Theodore glanced at Rose. "Rose, what do you always want to do?"

A blush spread across Rose's face as she turned away from the group.

"Come on now, Rose. Just tell us what you want. But if not, that's fine."Theodore smiled.

Rose slowly turned around and looked at everyone. She smiled shyly and said, "I...always wanted to learn belly dancing."

"WWWWHHHHAAAATTTT???? A CUTE GIRL LIKE HER WANTED TO LEARN BELLY DANCING?" Everyone's mind was blown away. They were all speechless. Rose blushed at their reaction and looked away, embarrassed.

As June giggled, she turned her attention to Katie. "So, Katie. Can you tell me what you want to do? Besides getting millions of views on her YouTube channel?"

Katie felt anger and embarrassment rising inside her. She tried to contain it and replied to June, "I want you to shut the hell up and stop stealing my spotlight!" She thought.

Katie took a deep breath before answering. "I want to be famous for something - anything really. I already told you that back on campus."

"Oh, yeah, now I remember," June said, then placed the paper list on the small table. "If your channel is about the bucket list where you do crazy stuff, you'll have a platform to showcase your talents and experiences. You'll have the chance to inspire people, which is the first step to fame."

June added. "Also, you should do things you want to do and not what the audience wants to see. This way, you'll gain more genuine views and followers, and more importantly, you'll be true to yourself. Your channel will reflect who you are and what you want to become."

After looking at each other, they placed Katie's list on the table.

"June's right, the list is way too daunting for me. And I'm a dare devil." Alice said.

"Yeah, I'm not sure I'm up for it," Rose nodded. "Let's stick to the basics and save the more exciting stuff for later."

"Sorry, Katie," Emma said. "I don't think I'm ready for anything more adventurous yet."

Katie looked at all the documents placed in front of her. Emma sighed and put her hand on Katie's shoulder. "It's OK. We'll take it one step at a time." Katie nodded and smiled, then began to read through the documents.

"It's fine, I guess I was working too hard. Thank you for sharing your idea with everyone, June." Katie said as she packed her papers back in her bag.

Just then, a knock on the door was interrupted. As she opened the door, Liam greeted her. "Hello, I'm here to follow up on the project your friends have been working on," he said.

"Liam? Where have you been? We've been waiting for you for 2 hours", June replied.

Liam apologized for the delay and explained that he had been stuck in traffic. June invited him in and they worked on the project.

Liam greeted everyone and sat in a chair. "Hello, my name is Liam Fisher and I was called by my friend June saying you guys are seeking a Youtube editor?"

Katie nodded and looked at her watch. "Yes, that's right," she said. "We're looking for someone to help us with our Youtube channel. Are you familiar with video editing software?"

Liam smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm very experienced with video editing software."

"Really? Are you also familiar with audio mixing?" she asked.

"Absolutely," Liam replied confidently. "I'm very familiar with audio and video editing programs."

"Oh? I see." Katie smiled at him. "I guess we're hiring him. What's your salary?"

"Salary?" Liam was puzzled.

"Yeah, like how much do we have to pay you?" Katie laughs.

"PAY?!" Rose, Alice and Emma scream. "WHY DO WE HAVE TO PAY THIS GUY? I THOUGHT WE WERE JUST FIMLING FOR FUN! Besides that, it's June's friend, so we don't have to worry!"

Katie shook her head. "It's not just fun," she said. "He's a professional cameraman. He needs to be paid for his work."

Liam blushed. "I don't know, I mean - I'm thankful for your generosity but I already have a part-time job, so I don't need much of your cooperation."

Katie smiled and said, "Liam, you don't have to worry about money. I'm happy to pay you for your work. We'll sort out the details later." She put her hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "And that's why I love hard working men."

Liam smiled back, relief spreading across his face. "Thank you, Katie. I really appreciate it." He paused and looked into her eyes. "You know, I love hard working women too."

A smirk spread across Katie's face as she put her hands on her hips. "And that's why we're making this YouTube happen! WE'RE GONNA SHOW THE WORLD WHAT WE'RE CAPABLE OF!"

Rose clapped her hands while Emma and Alice cheered. The four girls hugged each other, excited about the project they were about to embark on. They knew this was the start of something big.

Emma glanced at June, smiling at them. "Hey, June, yesterday you said you wanted to start Youtube, right? How about you join us?"

"Wait, what?" Katie was puzzled. "But why?"

"Well, if it wasn't for her, we wouldn't be this confident of making a YouTube channel and she was a master at music. Today, when I walked into my dorm, she was playing her guitar. She had the most soothing voice and it just felt like everything was right in the world."

"Wow, really? I didn't know you could sing. That's awesome!" Alice said.

"If we're together, you'll express yourself through music, and it will boost our channel - if you don't mind." Rose murmured before stepping away from June's eyes.

"Yeah, so what do you say? June?" Emma asked, grabbing June's hand.

June looked between Emma, Alice and Rose, then smiled. "Yeah, let's do it."

She said. The five girls cheered in anticipation of their upcoming collaboration. All the girls hugged her and cheered while Katie stood beside the two males.

"So, um guys, what is the name of your channel you're working on? I'm dying to know." Liam said.

Katie pulled out her list. "Well, I named a few but it's my group decision which name is the best: There's The bucklet list Sisters or Wanderlusts, or Let's Go Crazy. Which one do you like best?"

The girls turned to Katie and thought for a moment.

"I don't like any of them, to be honest. How about "Dream seekers?" Alice exclaims.

"I don't know that. How about "Dream Chasers?" Rose suggests.

"Nah, that's too cliché," Alice replies. "How about "Once in a lifetime?"

"June, what do you think is the right name for our YouTube channel?" Emma asked.

June thought for a moment before responding, "How about... 'Girl Diaries?' It's catchy and it sums up the kind of content we want to make - something unique and inspiring."

"I like it," said the group in unison. With that, the name for the project was decided. The team was excited about getting to work on their new venture - Girl Diaries.

Katie, however, smiled and remained silent. She was the one who suggested the name, and had all the names written, but yet the girls picked June's idea without hearing it.

"This girl is getting on my nerves," Katie thought. She was starting to feel angry. She clenched her fists and tried to control her emotions. She didn't want to ruin the moment for the others, so she put on a happy face and congratulated June.

Suddenly, Theodore cleared his throat. "Okay, nice chatting but Roseanna is leaving now. It's past 12 and she should be home already."
"Oh shoot! It's 1 already? Ah, man, I need to get to school quickly!" Alice said as she picked up her bag. "You too, Katie! We need to finish our school activities ASAP!"

"Whatever, it's not like I have anything to do afterwards," Katie replied. "Emma, would you like to squirt me out of campus?"
Emma smiled and replied, "Sure thing! Let's go!" The five of them quickly reached the campus gates. All the girls hopped into the black bugatti. This time the butler drove.

When Emma taps on the window before the car starts, the glass window scrolls down, letting Alice look at her instead. "What is it?" Alice asked.
"What time are you guys free when we start our channel?" Emma asked.

"Well, tomorrow, of course, tomorrow is Sunday!" Katie replied.

"For me, I'll go tomprrow. Father will work , and I'll be free. So I'll go out and enjoy the day. I can't wait!" Rose smiled.
"That sounds awesome! What about you Alice?" Emma asked.

Alice thought for a moment and said, "I'm staying tomorrow. I have a lot of work to do and I'd rather get it done."
"Wait, what? But can you do it another time?" Emma asked.

Alice shrugged. "I don't think so. I'm already behind, and I don't want to fall further behind." Emma sighed, understanding the situation. "Alright, well I'll see you the day after tomorrow then -."

At that moment, someone tapped Emma's shoulder. Emma turned to find the same teacher who had shown her and her sister around the school standing behind her. He was a bit under the weather; he had messy dark brown hair, his clothes were disheveled and his eyes had dark bags.
"Emmaline, right? The teacher asked before yawning. "I wanted to inform you that the school faculty decided to switch school starts on Monday instead of Tuesday."

"Wait, what? Why? Does my sister know about it? And why are you telling me this now?" Emma asked in shock.

The teacher chuckled and said, "Your sister knows, don't worry. I thought you'd like to have a head start and prepare for the upcoming schedule. That's all."

He then handed over a school diary to Emma. "Since you're a newbie here, I've written down the key dates and events happening in the next few weeks for you to look at. Please make sure to attend all the important classes."

Emma thanked him and took the diary. "Thank you, Sir. I'll take your word and, um...be the best student there is?"

"Yes, you should," he said, smiling. "I'm sure you'll do great. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on the other students." He gave her a nod before turning and walking away.

"Wait a minute, don't leave!" Alice called without thinking. Alice covered her mouth, her cheeks burning red.

He stopped and turned to look at her. "What is it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I...I uh." Alice blushed and looked away, feeling embarrassed. "Emma, didn't catch your name," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Huh? Oh yeah! I didn't. What's your name and what subject are you teaching?" Emma asked.

Sighing, the male teacher responds. "My name is Mr. Johnson and I'm the new math teacher. I'm sure we'll get along just fine," he answered.

"Really? That's great! I'll see you on Tuesday - I mean Monday!" Emma said.

Mr. Johnson smiled. "Yes, Monday it is. I'm looking forward to it." He turned to leave.

"See you then!" Emma waved goodbye as he walked away.

"Hey, Emma, I'm sorry for screaming." Alice blushed.

Emma smiled and waved her hand in acknowledgment. "It's okay, Alice. I understand. And I totally want to thank you for letting me know his name. I'll see you soon." She said before turning and walking away.

"Hey Emma!" Alice yelled after her. Emma stopped and looked back.

"Yes?" she said. Alice smiled and said, "I...I'll consider coming tomorrow and helping out."

Emma smiled. "That's very helpful, thank you! I'll really appreciate the help." She waved goodbye and continued walking. Alice watched her go, feeling a sense of relief.

The car finally started and drove off the campus.

"What was that, Alice? Why would you want Emma to know her teacher's name?" Katie asked confusedly.

Alice didn't respond. She just looked out the window, a mysterious smile on her face. Katie sighed and shook her head, deciding not to ask any more questions.

Alice continued to stare out the window, lost in her own thoughts. "Mr. Johnson, huh? I hope to see him again tomorrow."

Chapter end